Word game and methods for conducting same

ABSTRACT

This invention provides a game for one or more players that is played as a game show, as an interactive home computer game, as an interactive on-line game and as a board game. The game challenges players to answer clues in various categories by identifying an answer of one or more words to the clue, wherein each word in the answer consists exclusively of two or more syllables from the syllables provided. The game provides both entertainment and educational value to the players and audience, if present. The invention also provides methods for conducting and playing the game.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/265,807, filed Jan. 31, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a game providing both entertainment andeducational value that can be played as a game show, as an interactivehome computer game, as an interactive on-line game and as a board game.The invention also relates to methods for conducting and playing thegame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Games have varied formats, diverse contents, and serve numerouspurposes. For instance, games are designed to provide entertainment,education, methods for improving or enhancing skills or any combinationthereof. Moreover, the goal of an educational game is to stimulateinterest in the subject by re-programming learning into a game format.Likewise, games are designed for individual play, competitive play,group play, team challenges and various combinations of players.Similarly, games often combine several purposes in a competitive,entertaining, and even financially rewarding setting.

[0004] In addition to the many purposes, games are available in variouspresentation formats including, for example, TV game shows, interactiveelectronic games, and board games. Interactive electronic games areplayed on any number of devices, such as portable devices, e.g., GameBoys® and Palm Pilots, game machines, e.g., Sony PlayStation®, MicrosoftX-box, Nintendo GameCube™, and personal computers, and on-line systems,e.g., the internet.

[0005] Because general skills and interests of contestants and audiencesare relatively constant over time, a number of TV game show conceptshave been developed loosely based on previous games. For example, TVgame shows have originated as board games that have been adapted forplayers before a television audience. Other concepts have been initiallydeveloped as a television based game show, and then adapted to be aboard game or electronic game. In these cases, even though loosely basedon an existing game, the new game comprises so many new and differentfeatures that often a totally new game is created. For example, Wheel ofFortune® is loosely based on the well-known game, HangMan, and HollywoodSquares® is loosely based on the common Tic-Tac-Toe game.

[0006] Likewise, games may be loosely based on puzzles. A number ofpuzzles exist that use words broken into syllables or listed syllablesthat combine to create words. These puzzles are found mainly in printmedia, such as puzzle magazines, and are usually designed to challengean individual. An example of a puzzle of this type is “Syllacrostics” byPenny Press. In this puzzle, words are broken into syllables and thesyllables are listed alphabetically in a box. A series of crosswordpuzzle type clues or definitions are listed vertically adjacent to blankspaces representing the corresponding answers. The answers to the cluesare a combination of the syllables listed in the box. The number ofblank spaces for each answer indicates the number of letters in theanswer. The number of syllables for each answer is also provided. Theobject is to fill in the answers to the clues by using all the syllablesin the box.

[0007] However, although puzzles provide individual challenge, they donot provide competitive play. By comparison, a game format is designedto interest a larger amount of players, and entice more people to bechallenged by adding a competitive element. Along with the competitiveelement, a game provides entertainment and educational elements.Additionally, by letting players earn or be awarded prizes increasesinterest in playing the game, and also makes the game more interestingto those watching the game. Consequently, a game provides many benefitsnot available in a simple, one player puzzle. Therefore, a gamecombining competition, entertainment, and education also advanceslearning by increasing player participation and expanding the audience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides a competitive, entertaining andeducational game with broad appeal that generates great interest andleads to increased educational opportunities, e.g., improved knowledge,vocabulary, and spelling. Because the game is competitive andentertaining, it attracts players, and an audience to watch the players.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the word gameplayable by one or more players comprises a game board viewablesimultaneously by all players. The game board comprises (i) at least onecategory, (ii) at least one value option within each category and (iii)a plurality of syllables in a plurality of syllable text boxes. When avalue option is selected, a clue associated with the value option isrevealed. The answer for the clue, comprising at least one word,consists entirely of the syllables in the syllable text boxes. The gameincludes points, cash or prizes awarded for a correct answer to a clueand a penalty for an incorrect answer to a clue. A player's score is theaccumulated points, cash or prizes. In an alternative embodiment, thegame is played in rounds, and the player with the greatest score at theend of the last round played is the winner.

[0010] In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the game comprises aprize associated with at least one value option, wherein when thecorrect answer is given by a player, a prize board having the syllabletext boxes forming the correct answer and a hidden prize optionassociated with each syllable text box, replaces the game board. Thegame can be played as a game show broadcast by a national or localnetwork, as an interactive home computer game, as an interactive on-linegame or as a board game

[0011] In another preferred embodiment, a method is provided forconducting the word game, using a predetermined number of players,comprising: providing a game board visible to the players, wherein thegame board comprises (i) at least one category, (ii) at least one valueoption within each category and (iii) a plurality of syllables in aplurality of syllable text boxes, from which at least one value optionis selected by a player. Next, a clue associated with the selected valueoption is provided to the players, along with the number of syllablesfound in the correct word answer. The correct word answer consists ofsyllables selected exclusively from the syllables on the game board.Points, cash or prizes are provided to the player who correctly answersthe clue. After a correct answer is given, each of the syllablescombined to form the correct answer are removed from the game board. Thesteps are repeated until the game is ended.

[0012] In yet another preferred embodiment, the method for conductingthe word game also comprises providing a prize for one or more valueoption, so that when a correct answer is given, a prize board having thesyllables of the correct answer and a prize or penalty for each syllableis displayed from which the player selects a syllable and receives theprize or penalty revealed. Additionally, in an alternative embodiment,the player who gives the correct answer is provided an option to pass orplay. Further provided is a method for conducting the word game as agame show, as an interactive home computer game, as an interactiveon-line game via the internet, and as a board game.

[0013] In yet another preferred embodiment, the present inventionprovides a method for playing the word game having a plurality ofplayers, wherein the game play by each player comprises reviewing a gameboard visible to the players, wherein the game board comprises (i) atleast one category, (ii) at least one value option within each categoryand (iii) a plurality of syllables in a plurality of syllable textboxes. Selecting a value option and receiving a clue associated with theselected value option, along with the number of syllables found in thecorrect word answer. The correct word answer consists of syllablesselected exclusively from the syllables on the game board. Then,receiving points, cash or prizes by correctly answering the clue orreceiving a penalty for incorrectly answering the clue, and repeatingthe steps until the game is ended. Additionally, another preferredembodiment comprises playing the game in a plurality of rounds.

[0014] Moreover, the method for playing the word game also compriseswhen a prize for one or more value option is provided and a correctanswer is given, selecting a syllable from a prize board having thesyllables of the correct answer and a prize or penalty for eachsyllable, and receiving the prize or penalty revealed.

[0015] Further provided is a method for playing the word game as a gameshow, as an interactive home computer game, as an interactive on-linegame via the internet, and as a board game.

[0016] Additional objects, advantages and novel features of theinvention will be set forth in part in the description, examples andfigures which follow, and in part will become apparent to those skilledin the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned bypractice of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detaileddescription of the invention, will be better understood when read inconjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustratingthe invention, there are shown in the drawings, certain embodiment(s),which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, thatthe invention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown.

[0018]FIG. 1 shows an exemplary game board according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 2 shows an exemplary game board of FIG. 1 after a selectionis made

[0020]FIG. 3 shows an exemplary game board of FIG. 1 with a selectionmade when the selection has a hidden prize.

[0021]FIG. 4 shows an exemplary game board of FIG. 1 wherein syllabletext boxes are highlighted.

[0022]FIG. 5 shows an exemplary prize board according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 6 shows an exemplary prize board of FIG. 5 wherein a prizeoption has been chosen.

[0024]FIG. 7 shows an exemplary prize board of FIG. 5 with all the prizeoptions revealed.

[0025]FIG. 8 shows an exemplary game board with text boxes cleared.

[0026]FIG. 9 shows an exemplary final round game board according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The present invention provides a question and answer game with aclear, concise, tight format. In a preferred embodiment, the game isconducted as a game show to be broadcast by a national or localtelevision network. The game of the present invention is also presentedas an interactive home computer game, as an interactive on-line game oras a board game.

[0028] The ability to participate and win the game is a combination ofskill and luck. For instance, even though a player gives the correctanswer (skill), the player then wins or looses money or points based onthe player's subsequent choices (luck). The game tests a player'sgeneral knowledge in a variety of categories and requires a certainamount of language vocabulary and spelling ability. In the preferredembodiment described herein, the game uses the English language,however, in alternative embodiments, the game may be played in anylanguage.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the game, the game has threeplayers. However, the game is easily adapted for play with one player,two players, four or more players, or adapted for players on teams.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, questions/clues are anything that canbe answered with a one word answer of two or more syllables. Inalternative embodiments, the game can be modified to include answers oftwo or more words. The answers are disguised, but in the complete viewof the players and viewers, i.e., syllables of the word answers aredisplayed on the game board arranged in alphabetical or random order.

[0031] The invention is further described by example of a preferredembodiment. The exemplified preferred embodiment describes a method forconducting the game as a TV game show. This embodiment, however, isprovided for purposes of illustration to those skilled in the art, andis not intended to be limiting. Moreover, this embodiment is not to beconstrued as limiting the scope of the appended claims. Thus, theinvention should in no way be construed as being limited to thefollowing embodiment, but rather, should be construed to encompass anyand all variations that become evident as a result of the teachingprovided.

[0032] The game as a TV game show is easy for a viewer to understand andfollow. Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, the game may bebroadcast using Enhanced Interactive Television technology so thatviewers at home may play on-line along with the players as the game isbroadcast.

[0033] The game can be played for any length of time. In the preferredembodiment of the TV game show, the show will typically run for thirtyor sixty minutes. Thus, for a thirty minute show, the game fillstwenty-one to twenty-two minutes of broadcast time with a quickly movinggame. The remainder of the time is allocated to advertisements andannouncements. In the preferred embodiment, the time criteria in thegame is designed so that a complete game comprising two regular roundsand one final round are completed in the total time allotted for theshow. However, in alternative embodiments of the game show, the game hasa single regular round or more than two regular rounds. Additionally, inalternative embodiments, the game is not completed in a single timeslot, so that the same game is continued in another time slot. Likewise,in alternative embodiments, the game is completed prior to the end ofthe time allotted, so that another game is played, or at least started,within the time slot.

[0034] In the preferred embodiment, the TV game show is taped in frontof a studio audience for later broadcast. However, in alternativeembodiments the TV game show could be live, or could be taped without astudio audience.

[0035] Grand prizes not won by the players in a specific game mayaccumulate over subsequent games or broadcasts. Consequently, as prizevalues build, additional viewer interest is generated.

[0036] The Game

[0037] Variations may be made at a number of points in the rules orthroughout the progress of the game as embodied below, and the values ofthe points or cash prizes awarded may vary. Additionally, prizes may besubstituted for those proposed in the exemplified embodiment. However,such variations are intended to be within the scope of the invention, solong as the resulting program contains the basic elements of continuityof entertainment and so long as play proceeds through the “rounds”essentially as described below, in which the object remains to be theplayer to accumulate the highest score. “Score” is used herein to meanthe accumulated points, cash or cash equivalents, e.g., prizes.

[0038] Object of the Game—to Win:

[0039] The object of the game is to accumulate the highest number ofpoints or cash value by correctly answering questions/clues with a wordanswer that consists entirely of the syllables provided on the gameboard for that particular round.

[0040] The game is played in rounds, wherein a “round” is used herein tomean an interval of play that occupies a specified time, comprises acertain number of plays, or allows each player a turn. The gamecomprises regular rounds and a final or champion round. In the preferredembodiment, the game comprises two regular rounds, i.e., a first roundand a second round, and a final round.

[0041] The player with the highest number of points, cash or cash valueof prizes at the end of the regular rounds becomes the winner andadvances to the final round. Only the winner is awarded his/herwinnings. The other players receive consolation prizes. In analternative embodiment, all the players play the final round, and thewinner is the player with the highest number of points or cash value ofprizes at the end of the final round. The winner also has theopportunity to play in the next game or on the next show against newplayers, and earn more prizes.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, a player may appear in an unlimitednumber of games until the player looses, but may not appear in more thanfive consecutive programs in one week. For example, if the player winsfour games in one week, he/she may return the following week and win upto five consecutive times in the following week. Additionally, once aplayer loses a game, he/she cannot play again for at least two years.

[0043] However, in a special tournament, the rule that limits the numberof times a player can win in one week may be waived. In tournament play,the player may continue to win and return to play for the life of thetournament, e.g., five to twenty games. Additionally, participation inspecial tournaments may waive the rule limiting a player from returningin less than two years. For example, a special tournament may invite theplayers with the highest winnings to return to compete against eachother.

[0044] Playing the Game:

[0045] In the preferred embodiment, there are three players, but thenumber could be varied, as would be recognized by one familiar with gameshows and their operation. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment,there is at least one host and at least one announcer. The hostfacilitates the flow of the game by recognizing which player is next toact, reading the questions/clues to the players and the audience, andproviding additional commentary or information about the subjectsrevealed during the game. The game show announcer provides descriptionsof prizes and merchandise awarded in the game show. In the preferredembodiment, the announcer is on-camera, however, alternatively, theannouncer may be offcamera and provide audio descriptions. In yetanother alternative embodiment, the host and the announcer roles areperformed by one individual.

[0046] Game board 1 is displayed so that it is visible at all times bythe host, all the players, the audience and the camera for broadcast tothe television audience. In an alternative embodiment, the host also hasan individual game board located so that it is easier for the host toread the questions/clues. In the preferred embodiment, game board 1 iscomputer generated.

[0047] In the preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, game board 1comprises header portion 2, syllable text box portion 3 and scoreboardportion 4. Header portion 2 displays four categories 5, with four valueoptions 6 within each category 5. Categories 5 are changed for eachround. In a preferred embodiment, value options 6 are cash values andare doubled in each subsequent round. Alternatively, value options 6 mayremain the same for the entire game, or may be increased by some otherfactor in lieu of doubling the values. In alternative embodiments, valueoptions 6 are point values, merchandise, or other prizes. Each valueoption 6 is associated with a word answer 7. The four categories 5 withfour value options 6 in each provide a total of sixteen word answers 7on game board 1. Alternatively, the number of categories 5 and thenumber of value options 6 may vary. For instance, the game may compriseone category 5 in which, or for which, there are three or more valueoptions 6.

[0048] In the preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the sixteen wordanswers contain a combined total of forty-eight (48) syllables. Inalternative embodiments, the number of syllables comprising the wordanswers could vary. Syllable text box portion 3 of game board 1, locatedjust below header portion 2, displays the forty-eight syllables insyllable text boxes 8. The syllable text boxes 8 are listed inalphabetical order with six columns and eight rows of syllable textboxes (see FIG. 1). Alternatively, syllable text boxes 8 could be inrandom order. Similarly, in alternative embodiments, syllable text boxes8 could be listed in any number of columns and any number of rows. Inyet another embodiment, a number of unrelated syllables, i.e., notrelated to any word answer, may be added to the syllable text boxportion 3 of game board 1. The unrelated syllables increase thedifficulty of the game by adding more choices the players must review todiscover the syllables of the correct word answer 7.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the game show, player's scores aredisplayed on electronic signs located in front of each player.Alternatively, or in addition, as shown in FIG. 1, scoreboard portion 4of game board 1 is located at the bottom of game board 1. However,scoreboard portion 4 could be located on the top of game board 1, oralternatively, on a separate screen. Scoreboard portion 4 lists thenames of each player and shows the current point or cash value of thecumulative winnings, i.e., score, of each player.

[0050] Game board 1 is a computer screen image displayed on a video wallpreferably at least six feet by eight feet in size. Alternatively, gameboard 1 may be of any size so long as header portion 2 and all syllabletext boxes 8 are all clearly visible to the host, all the players, andthe audience at all times. During the play of the game, the viewer athome will either see game board 1 as a full display on his/her TVscreen, such as when a question/clue is given, or in the background ofset shots.

[0051] In alternative embodiments, game board 1 may be displayed onvarious other fixtures such as, but not limited to, player computerscreens, TV monitors, and display grids.

[0052] The goal of the game is for players to combine the syllables textboxes 8 into word answers 7 based on the questions/clues 9 provided.

[0053] First Round:

[0054] Each value option 6 on game board 1 is assigned a question/clue9. The difficulty of the question/clue may or may not increase withincreased points or cash values of value option 6. Additionally, one ormore prizes are hidden behind one or more value options 6. If valueoption 6 with a hidden prize is selected by the player, the player hasthe opportunity to win the points or cash value of the value option 6,win the specified merchandise or prize, or “wipe out.” “Wipe out” meansthe player looses all the points, cash and prizes accumulated to thatpoint in the game. In an alternative embodiment, a different phrase orword, e.g., “Bankrupt” may be used in lieu of “Wipe Out.” Additionally,in another embodiment, the player may loose only a portion of theaccumulated points, cash and prizes.

[0055] The returning winner or champion is the player who begins thefirst round. At the start of a new game, where no winner or championexists, the players draw lots to determine who begins the first round.In alternative embodiments, a preliminary round or preliminary test maydetermine the player who begins the first round. In yet anotherembodiment, a coin toss may determine the player who begins the firstround. The player selects any one of the available value options 6within the four categories 5. During the game, the host then directsplay by identifying, for the players and the audience, which playermakes the next selection.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 2, after a value option 6 selection is made, bythe player, game board 1 header portion 2 changes to a clue header anddisplays: selected category 5, selected points or cash value, the numberof syllables in associated word answer 7, and question/clue 9 associatedwith selected value option 6. The clue screen is exemplified in FIG. 2which shows category 5 as “Games and Sports,” selected cash value as“$300,” number of syllables as “2 syllables,” and question/clue 9 as“The Superstar of Basketball.”

[0057] However, as shown in FIG. 3, if hidden prize 10 is associatedwith selected value option 6, game board 1 header portion 2 changes to aprize header and displays: selected category 5, the selected points orcash value, type of prize or merchandise, and a note to describe prize10 to the players. The exemplary prize header shown in FIG. 3 showsselected category 5 as “Child Classics,” selected cash value as “$400,”type of prize or merchandise as “Television,” and the note “Mindie, tellus about the prize.” In the example of FIG. 3, Mindie is the announcer.During a brief description of the prize, provided by the game showannouncer, a picture of prize 10 temporarily replaces the computergenerated game board 1. After prize 10 is described, game board 1 headerportion 2 reverts back to the clue screen and displays category 5, cashvalue, number of syllables in associated word answer 7, andquestion/clue 9, similar to the display when a value option 6 withouthidden prize 10 is selected.

[0058] The host then reads question/clue 9. For example, as shown inFIG. 2 the clue may be “The superstar of Basketball.”

[0059] All the players then have the opportunity to activate anindicator to answer question/clue 9. The indicator may be of any typeused in the art, such as a buzzer or a light. The indicators aremutually exclusive, so that activation of the first indicatordeactivates all other players' indicators.

[0060] A specific period of time is allowed to answer question/clue 9,e.g., eight seconds. Other times may be used but less than three secondsmakes it very difficult for the players to formulate an answer. Morethan fifteen or twenty seconds slows the game progress so that fewerrounds are completed and the audience may lose interest. Alsoadvertisers are adverse to sponsoring long periods of dead air timewhile players are thinking.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, if no playeractivates an indicator after a specified time, e.g., three seconds, thefirst syllable of the word answer is highlighted on game board 1 and thepoint or cash value of selected value option 6 is reduced by 50%. If noplayer activates an indicator after another specified period of time,e.g., another three seconds, and if the answer is three or moresyllables, the second syllable is highlighted on game board 1 and thepoint or cash value of selected value option 6 is reduced by another50%, i.e., to 25% of the original amount. In alternative embodiments,the specified times and point or cash value reductions may vary.

[0062] The first player to activate an indicator is given theopportunity to provide word answer 7 that answers question/clue 9 bycombining available syllable text boxes 8. For example, as shown in FIG.4, the answer combines syllable text box 8, “JOR” and syllable text box8, “DAN” for a correct answer of “JORDAN.” When a player gives thecorrect answer, syllable text boxes 8 for word answer 7 are highlightedon game board 1 (see FIG. 4). The full word answer 7 is then displayedin the question/clue area of game board 1, i.e., the answer replaces theclue in header portion 2. For a point or cash value selection, theplayer is awarded the associated points or cash value. That player'sscoreboard portion 3 of game board 1 is then adjusted to add the pointsor cash value to the player's score.

[0063] The last player to correctly answer a prior word answer 7 selectsthe next value option 6.

[0064] On the other hand, if a player gives an incorrect answer toquestion/clue 9, the player suffers a penalty, and the points or cashvalue of the selected value option 6 and assigned question/clue 9 issubtracted from the player's score. If there is any time remaining fromthe original allowed time, the remaining two players then have anopportunity to answer question/clue 9. If the second player gives anincorrect answer, the second player receives the same penalty. Again, ifany time is left, the remaining player then has the opportunity toanswer. In alternative embodiments, once an incorrect answer is given,the remaining players do not have the ability to answer thequestion/clue 9, thus placing even more emphasis on being the first toactivate an indicator.

[0065] When a player gives a correct answer and the selected valueoption 6 had an associated hidden prize, the screen image of game board1 is transformed into a prize board 11. As shown in FIG. 5, prize board11 displays syllable text boxes 8 of the correct word answer 7 andidentifies each syllable by number. Each syllable is associated with aprize option 12. Prize options 12 include: the initial point or cashvalue of the selected value option 6, the previously described prize 10,a “Wipe Out,” and one or more “Try Again.” The “Try Again” selectiondoes not award a prize or penalty. The “Try Again” option permits theplayer to select another prize option 12. Therefore, if “Try Again,”appears as the player's selection, the player selects another prizeoption 12. The second selection then determines the prize or penaltythat the player receives.

[0066] In order to exemplify the play of the game, examples providedbelow use the players, Mike, Beth and Josh as shown in the correspondingFigures.

[0067] After prize board 11 is displayed, the player who gave thecorrect word answer 7 has an option to “Pass or Play.” For example, ifas shown in FIG. 4, Josh answers the clue with the correct answer“JORDAN,” and if Josh chooses to “Play,” Josh selects one syllable/prizeoption 12 to determine which prize or penalty he wins. Generally, onlyword answers 7 comprising three or more syllables have hiddenmerchandise or prizes, so that, at least one syllable has themerchandise or prize, one syllable has the point or cash award, and thethird syllable has a “Wipe Out.” On the other hand, if Josh elects to“Pass,” Josh chooses one of the other players, i.e., Mike or Beth, toplay in his place. If Josh chooses Beth, Beth then has the obligation toselect a syllable/prize option 12 from the prize board 11. In analternative embodiment, Beth, may then Play or Pass to yet anotherplayer, i.e., Mike.

[0068] The player who selects a prize option 12 from the prize board 11also selects the next value option 6. Thus, when a player passes his/heropportunity to select a prize option 12 from the prize board 11 toanother player, he/she also passes the opportunity to select the nextvalue option 6. Therefore, contrary to the process described above, whena player passes this opportunity, the player providing the correct wordanswer 7 does not select the next value option 6.

[0069] The player selects a syllable number/prize option 12 and acquiresthe prize or penalty of the associated prize option 12 revealed (seeFIG. 6). After the selection is made, the selection is indicated onprize board 11. In the preferred embodiment, syllable text box 8 ofselected prize option 12 on prize board 11, is replaced with a largertext box indicating the prize or penalty won (see FIG. 6). Inalternative embodiments, the indication may be made in any manner, suchas highlighting, coloring, or flashing syllable text box 8 or the like.Accordingly, the player's score shown on game board 1 scoreboard portion3 are adjusted based on the point or cash value of the prize 10 orpenalty.

[0070] Consequently, the pass/play aspect of the hidden prize adds anadditional strategy aspect in playing the game and also increasesaudience interest because they are also guessing the answer while theywatch. Part of the interest for the audience is their speculation thatthey could do better than the actual players. By passing the opportunityto select a prize option 12, Josh gives Beth the opportunity to earnbetter or more valuable prizes even though Beth did not answercorrectly. On the other hand, by passing the opportunity to select prizeoption 12, Josh passes the risk of selecting “Wipe out” to Beth.Similarly, the player who passes the opportunity to select prize option12 gives up the opportunity to select the next value option 6.

[0071] The remaining syllables/prize options 12 are then displayed toshow what the player may have won or lost if a different syllable hadbeen selected (see FIG. 7).

[0072] After an incorrect word answer is given, or if time expiresbefore word answer 7 is correctly provided, the host gives the answerand no points or prize is awarded.

[0073] After each correct word answer 7, or when time has expiredfollowing an incorrect answer, or no answer is provided by a player forword answer 7, syllable text boxes 8 for the correct word answer 7 arecleared from game board 1 (see FIG. 8). Therefore, each syllable textbox 8 has one associated word answer 7, so that no syllable text box 8is used twice. In alternative embodiments, syllable text boxes 8 mayhave more than one associated word answer 7 and are not cleared fromgame board 1.

[0074] After each word answer 7 is provided, whether by a player or bythe host, the game show host may provide some additional commentsoffering interesting or factual information related to word answer 7.

[0075] A value option choice is completed when the answer has beenprovided, either by a player or by the host, and the associated syllabletext boxes 8 have been highlighted and cleared from game board 1. Thegame then continues with the next player's selection of the next valueoption.

[0076] Game board 1 is redisplayed and the player then selects the nextvalue option 6.

[0077] In the preferred embodiment, the round ends when there are twovalue options 6 remaining. When only two value options 6 remain, thereare so few syllable text boxes 8 left that there is little challenge todetermine the final answers. Alternatively, the round may end when thetime remaining is the time required to play a final round. The valueoptions 6 and associated questions/clues 9 not selected in the round arediscarded. In yet another embodiment where unrelated syllables are addedto game board 1, the round may continue until all the value options 6have been selected.

[0078] Second Round.

[0079] The second round is played similarly to the first round describedabove. A new game board 1 is displayed for the second round with fournew categories 5 and sixteen new value options 6 with question/clues 9and the corresponding word answers 7. The points or cash value of valueoptions 6 are doubled for the second round. In alternative embodiments,the value of value options 6 may remain the same for subsequent roundsor may change by a different factor. Similar to the first rounddescribed above, in the preferred embodiment, the second round ends whenthere are two value options 6 remaining or when the time remaining isrequired to play a final round. Additionally, as described above, inalternative embodiments having unrelated syllables on game board 1, theround may end when all value options 6 have been selected. As with thefirst round, the question/clues not selected are discarded. At the endof the second round the player with the highest score, i.e., highestpoints or cash value of prizes, becomes the winner and advances to thefinal round.

[0080] If two or more players are tied, there is a “Tie Break Session.”For the Tie Break Session, the remaining syllables are randomly assigneda point or cash value. No two randomly assigned point or cash values arethe same. The tied players each select one of the remaining syllables.The point or cash value assigned to the selected syllable is added tothe player's score. The player with the highest score after the TieBreak Session is the winner. If two or more players are still tied afterthe first selection, then the tied players select again.

[0081] Final Round

[0082] In the preferred embodiment, the single player with the mostcumulative points or cash value, i.e., score, at the end of the secondround plays the final round. This round gives the winner of the regularrounds the opportunity to win a grand prize in addition to the cash andprizes won to this point. In an alternative embodiment, all of theplayers play in the final round.

[0083] A final round game board 13 replaces game board 1 (see FIG. 9).Header portion 2 of final round game board 13 displays two categories 5and three value options 6 in each category 5, for a total of six wordanswers 7. As with the hidden prizes in the regular rounds, apredetermined number of value options 6 have an associated hidden grandprize 14.

[0084] The six word answers 7 contain a combined total of twenty-foursyllables. Syllable text box portion 3 of final round game board 13displays the twenty-four syllables text boxes 8 in alphabetical orrandom order listing six syllables across and four rows down.

[0085] As with the regular rounds, in alternative embodiments, thenumber of categories, the number of value options, the number ofsyllables, and the number of hidden grand prizes in the final round mayvary. Similarly, in alternative embodiments, the column and rowarrangement of the syllable text boxes may vary. Additionally, as in theregular rounds, unrelated syllables may be added to increase thedifficulty of the game.

[0086] Unlike the regular rounds, the value options 6 displayed on thefinal round game board 13 list numbers and does not list a value. Eachvalue option 6 is assigned a minimum point or cash value amount, e.g.,$1,000. In addition to the minimum point or cash value, each valueoption may have either a grand prize, merchandise prize, or larger cashprize associated with the value option 6. The final round does notinclude a penalty for an incorrect answer or a “Wipe Out” choice, sothat the player does not loose any accumulated awards in the finalround.

[0087] The player selects a value option 6. The final round thenproceeds following essentially the same rules as the regular roundsdescribed above.

[0088] If the player gives the correct answer, syllable text boxes 8 forword answer 7 are highlighted on final round game board 13 screen andthe full word is displayed in the question/clue area of header portion2.

[0089] Similar to the regular rounds, if a value option 6 with a hiddenprize is selected, and the player answers correctly, final round gameboard 13 is replaced by prize board 11 (see FIG. 5). However, since onlyone player is playing the final round, the player does not have theability to Pass. The player selects a syllable/prize option 12 todetermine the prize or penalty he/she has won. As in previous rounds, onprize board 11, syllable text box 8 of the selected prize option 12 isreplaced with a larger text box indicating the prize or penalty won (seeFIG. 6).

[0090] The player wins the prize or penalty selected. The player's scoreis adjusted based on the points or cash value of the prize.

[0091] The prizes for the remaining syllable/prize options 12 are thendisplayed to show what the player may have won or lost if a differentsyllable had been selected.

[0092] For merchandise or prize awards revealed in a selected syllableprize option 12, the announcer provides a brief description of themerchandise or prize. During the description of the merchandise orprize, final round game board 13 is temporarily replaced by an image ofthe merchandise or prize as the description is read.

[0093] If the player answers question/clue 9 incorrectly, the game isover.

[0094] The value options 6 and associated questions/clues 9 not selectedin the final round are discarded.

[0095] As in the regular rounds, the game show host may provideadditional comments and interesting factual information related to wordanswer 7.

[0096] Whether the player answers question/clue 9 in the final roundcorrectly or incorrectly, the player has the opportunity to play in thenext show.

[0097] End of the Show

[0098] In the preferred embodiment, a single game, and the associatedrounds, are completed in the allotted time frame for the game show. Inalternative embodiments, the game may end prior to the allotted timeframe and a new game may be started or the game may not be completedwithin the allotted time frame and may continue to the next broadcast.The show is broadcast on a regularly occurring schedule. In thepreferred embodiment, the winner returns to play a new game with newplayers. However, in alternative embodiments, the winner of each game isretired and all new players play each game, or a champion game or gamesare played in which each player has been a winner of at least oneregular game.

[0099] Studio Set

[0100] The studio set layout is of any style as would be recognized bythose in the television industry familiar with game show formats. In thepreferred embodiment, the game board screen is between the host and theplayers permitting both the players and the audience to view theprogress of the game and status of the players. This format allows theaudience to see everything from any seat, facilitates television cameracoverage, and allows for creativity in the development of the set.

[0101] This game show will attract a very large viewing audience becauseit is a simple format. The game offers a personal and competitivechallenge and also provides an educational element.

[0102] Alternative Embodiments

[0103] It will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of theinvention have been described herein for purposes of illustration,various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. For example in a preferred embodiment, the TVshow is adapted to younger audiences, e.g., ages 16-22, or even younger,by changing the categories. The winnings could include spring breakpackages, college tuition, computers, electronics, bikes and otherrecreational items.

[0104] In another embodiment of the TV game show, the game is played bycelebrity contestants and the prize money or prizes could be directed toone or more charities. A particular show could focus entirely on acharitable purpose, such as the American Red Cross, or each celebritycontestant could have his/her own selected charity to which his/herwinnings are directed.

[0105] In yet another embodiment, the entire show has a theme e.g.,without limitation, a college theme, a wedding theme, or a music orsports theme, with contestants selected accordingly. The contestantscould even operate in pairs, such as newly married couples answeringtogether on a wedding theme show, or a celebrity paired with anon-celebrity player, or teams could be larger, such as an entire familyor members of the cast of a selected TV show, or several players from asports team.

[0106] In yet another embodiment, the show may be played by students ina school setting. The game may be played essentially the same asdescribed above using selected student players, selected student teams,or the teacher may present the clues to the entire class. The game couldbe played as a competition between classes in a school or between teamsor players from different schools. The game may be live or taped to beused as an educational tool. Points could be accrued toward a classparty or they could be used to determine a portion of a student's grade.The game is particularly useful as an educational tool because of thecombined emphasis on language (syllables) and on the subject matter ofthe game categories, e.g., history, geography, literature and the like.It also enables students to overcome speaking before the class becauseof the game setting.

[0107] Along with the televised game show version of the game, anotherembodiment of the present invention is playing the game as an electronicinteractive home computer game. The method of this embodiment can beplayed on any number of devices, such as, but not limited to, portabledevices, e.g., Game Boy® and Palm Pilot, game machines, e.g., SonyPlayStation®, Microsoft X-box, Nintendo GameCube™, and personalcomputers. In this alternative embodiment, the cash values are replacedwith point values, so that the winner is determined by the player withthe most points. Likewise, the electronic interactive home version doesnot award prizes or include a host or announcer as in the TV game showembodiment of the game.

[0108] Another embodiment of the present invention is playing the gameas an interactive on-line game. Similar to the electronic interactivehome computer game, in an embodiment of the interactive on-line game,points are awarded in lieu of cash and prizes. In yet another embodimentof the in-line electronic game, prizes and merchandise are availablethrough the internet for players of the game. Players may be selected byon-line competitions, and the TV game show described above can bereadily adapted to allow players to join in from home via the internet.The rules are otherwise as disclosed above. However, a particularadvantage of participation by game players over the internet is theenhanced market for advertisers, e.g., by banners and promotionalopportunities.

[0109] In another alternative embodiment, the game of the presentinvention is played as a board game. In this embodiment, the computergenerated game board is replaced by a paper, plastic or similar boardwith a series of pre-printed inserts that are substituted or replacedfor each round. The board game may include a set of boards, so thatdifferent sets of inserts are placed in different boards representingthe game board, the prize board and the final round game board.Similarly, a series of inserts or cards may be used to change thecategories and clues. The game board may be designed so that inserts areplaced behind cut outs on the game board so that the value options areread through the cutouts and are varied by sliding preprinted inserts inrelation to the cutouts. Points are used in the board game in place ofcash or prizes, however, the points associated with each value optionmay vary by varying the inserts. The winner of the game is the playerwith the highest number of points at the end of the game. The game maybe played in a series of rounds. The game may end when a predeterminednumber of points are reached by a player or when a predetermined numberof rounds have been played.

[0110] As with the embodiments described above, the board game versionof the game may be adapted for specific players or specific themes. Forexample, the board game may be adapted for play by specific age groups,such as young school age, teenagers or college level players. Similarly,the board game may be adapted for specific themes, such as specificschool or educational subjects, travel, sports or the like. The boardgame is available to players without access to computers or theinternet.

[0111] Each and every patent, patent application and publication that iscited in the foregoing specification is herein incorporated by referencein its entirety.

[0112] While the foregoing specification has been described with regardto certain preferred embodiments, and many details have been set forthfor the purpose of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that the invention may be subject to various modifications andadditional embodiments, and that certain of the details described hereincan be varied considerably without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention. Such modifications, equivalent variations andadditional embodiments are also intended to fall within the scope of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A word game playable by one or more playerscomprising: a game board viewable simultaneously by all players, whereinthe game board further comprises (i) at least one category, (ii) atleast one value option within each category and (iii) a plurality ofsyllables in a plurality of syllable text boxes; a clue associated witheach value option, wherein the clue is revealed when the value option isselected; and an answer for the clue, comprising at least one word,wherein the answer consists entirely of the syllables in the syllabletext boxes.
 2. The word game of claim 1, further comprising points, cashor prizes awarded to the player who correctly answers the associatedclue, and wherein each player's score comprises the accumulated points,cash or prizes.
 3. The word game of claim 2, further comprising apenalty for an incorrect answer.
 4. The word game of claim 1, furthercomprising a scoreboard for maintaining each player's score.
 5. The wordgame of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of rounds played by theplayers.
 6. The word game of claim 5, wherein the player with thegreatest score at the end of the last round played by the players is thewinner.
 7. The word game of claim 1, further comprising a prizeassociated with the at least one value option, wherein when the correctanswer is given by a player, a prize board replaces the game board, andwherein the prize board comprises (i) the syllable text boxes formingthe correct answer, and (ii) a hidden prize or penalty associated witheach syllable text box.
 8. The word game of claim 1, wherein the game isplayed as a game show.
 9. The word game of claim 1, wherein the game isplayed as an interactive home computer game.
 10. The word game of claim1, wherein the game is played as an interactive on-line game via theinternet.
 11. The word game of claim 1, wherein the game is played as aboard game.
 12. A method for conducting a word game using apredetermined number of players, comprising the steps of: providing agame board that is visible by the players, wherein the game boardcomprises (i) at least one category, (ii) at least one value optionwithin each category and (iii) a plurality of syllables in a pluralityof syllables text boxes, from which at least one value option isselected by a player; providing a clue to the players along with thenumber of syllables found in the correct one or more word answer,wherein the correct answer to the clue consists of two or more syllablesselected exclusively from the syllables on the game board; providingpoints, cash or prizes to the player giving a correct answer; andrepeating the preceding steps until the game is ended.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising removing from the game board each of thesyllables combined to form the correct answer after the correct answerhas been given.
 14. The method of claim 12, further comprisingpenalizing the player giving an incorrect answer.
 15. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising providing a prize for one or more valueoptions and displaying a prize board when the correct answer is given bya player, wherein a syllable text box is selected by a player from theprize board having (i) the syllable text boxes forming the correctanswer, and (ii) a hidden prize or penalty associated with each syllabletext box.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing anoption to play or pass to the player who provides the correct answer.17. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing the playersfrom a particular age group, and tailoring the game clues to match theage group of the players.
 18. The method of claim 12, further comprisingproviding the players from a particular interest group, and tailoringthe game clues to match the interest group of the players.
 19. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising conducting the game as a gameshow.
 20. The method of claim 12, further comprising conducting the gameas an interactive home computer game.
 21. The method of claim 12,further comprising conducting the game as an interactive on-line gamevia the internet.
 22. The method of claim 12, further comprisingconducting the game as a board game.
 23. A method for playing a wordgame having a plurality of players, wherein the game play by each playercomprises the steps of: reviewing a game board that is visible to theplayers, wherein the game board comprises (i) at least one category,(ii) at least one value option within each category and (iii) aplurality of syllables in a plurality of syllable text boxes; selectinga value option; receiving a clue for the selected value option;providing a one or more word answer to the clue, wherein the answerconsists entirely of two or more syllables from the syllable text boxeson the game board; receiving points, cash or prizes for a correctanswer; and repeating the preceding steps until the game is ended. 24.The method of claim 23, further comprising receiving a penalty for anincorrect answer.
 25. The method of claim 23, further comprising, when aprize for one or more value options is provided and the correct answeris given, selecting a syllable text box from a prize board having (i)the syllable text boxes forming the correct answer, and (ii) a hiddenprize or penalty associated with each syllable text box.
 26. The methodof claim 23, further comprising playing a plurality of rounds.
 27. Themethod of claim 23, further comprising playing the game as a game show.28. The method of claim 23, further comprising playing the game as aninteractive home computer game.
 29. The method of claim 23, furthercomprising playing the game as an interactive on-line game via theinternet.
 30. The method of claim 23, further comprising playing thegame as a board game.